Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has said that the national rice stock has reached eight million tons by the end of 2024, so there will be no need for additional imports, including for the next year.
"Our entire rice stock, including in seller and the public, has reached more than eight million tons and State Logistics Agency (Bulog) alone has stock of two million tons," Hasan said in Jakarta on Monday.
He said that the government has decided to stop rice imports and produce up to 32 million tons of rice in 2025.
The domestic need for rice consumption is around 31 million tons, which is lower than the production target.
The remaining rice will be stored in the Government Food Reserve (CPP). According to the minister, the plan to stop imports was also included in the 2025 commodity balance.
"In 2025, it will be around 32 million (tons), while the need is 31 million. So, if an extraordinary event or natural disaster occurs, God Willing, we will not import anymore," he informed.
On the same occasion, Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Arief Prasetyo Adi said that Indonesia will not continue with the remaining rice imports that have not been realized because national rice stocks are already sufficient.
"It's all over, (rice stock) too much," he added.
According to Adi, the stocks at Bulog are currently more than sufficient and have also been reduced by 220 thousand tons for food aid.
He said that at present, the nation must focus on preparing for the main harvest, which is expected to reach 12 million–13 million tons at the end of February–March.
"When the harvest comes, we must be ready to absorb the rice. If not, the price could fall and our farmers will not want to plant it anymore," he added.
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Translator: Maria Cicilia Galuh Prayudhia, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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